New Zealand PM sees end in sight to Gulf FTA talks

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said here Thursday he will be looking to tie up a free trade agreement during a tour of three Gulf States next week.

Key said he would be the first New Zealand prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia when he arrived at the head of an 18-strong business delegation, which will also take in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

The tour from April 26 to May 1 would also provide the opportunity to progress the conclusion of the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement, Key said in a statement.

"A key priority for me will be talking to key figures in the region about the importance of progressing New Zealand's free trade agreement with the GCC," said Key.

The GCC was New Zealand's fifth largest export destination with goods exports worth 1.9 billion NZ dollars (1.44 billion U.S. dollars) last year and exports had grown by an average 10 percent a year over the last decade.

The visit was also an opportunity to strengthen and grow trade and business links between the GCC and New Zealand.

"New Zealand has a lot to offer the Gulf region and a number of our businesses already have a strong presence in this market. My visit is aimed at opening doors and helping to further promote New Zealand companies," said Key.

A range of meetings were scheduled with senior government leaders across the region.

"These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss our economic relationship and also, given our seat on the UN Security Council, it's timely to discuss the complex security issues facing the Middle East," said Key.

"We have reinforced our commitment to this region in recent years with the opening of our embassy in Abu Dhabi, and the expansion of offices in Dubai and Riyadh. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have also recently opened embassies in New Zealand."

Key would be accompanied by Trade Minister Tim Groser. Endi